BDO Wave - Finance Accountant, Gqeberha

BDO Wave is seeking a commercially minded and detail-oriented Accountant to support the internal financial management of the business. While transactional accounting, management accounts, and payroll processing are outsourced to other BDO entities, this role will serve as the key internal finance function, providing financial oversight, control, reporting, planning, and business partnering support.

The successful candidate will work closely with leadership to manage budgets, monitor financial performance, oversee procurement and supplier relationships, support cash flow management, and ensure the accuracy and completeness of financial information received from outsourced providers.

This is an excellent opportunity for an individual who combines strong technical accounting skills with commercial awareness and the ability to influence business decision-making.

Requirements

• Proven experience in preparing management accounts
• Strong VAT knowledge, including preparation of VAT returns
• Basic understanding of corporate tax principles
• Experience with statutory audit file preparation and audit liaison (advantageous)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Office applications
• Solid bookkeeping experience
• Working knowledge of Xero and other cloud-based accounting systems
• Understanding of business regulations, reporting, and tax requirements

Skills & Experience Essential

• Experience in management accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
• Strong understanding of financial controls and reconciliations.
• Experience in cash flow forecasting and working capital management.
• Commercially minded with strong analytical skills.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.

Desirable

• Experience working within a professional services environment.
• Experience overseeing outsourced finance or payroll providers.
• Experience with procurement and supplier management.
• Familiarity with financial reporting and business intelligence tools such as Power BI.

Roles & Responsibilities:

Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Review monthly management accounts prepared by BDO UK and ensure completeness, accuracy, and relevance.
• Analyse financial results and provide insightful commentary on key trends, variances, risks, and opportunities.
• Prepare and maintain dashboards and key performance metrics for senior management.
• Produce monthly, quarterly, and ad hoc financial reports to support business decisions.
• Monitor financial performance against budgets and forecasts.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Planning

• Lead the annual budgeting process in collaboration with business leaders.
• Prepare rolling forecasts and financial projections.
• Develop and maintain cash flow forecasts and working capital models.
• Support strategic planning through financial modelling and scenario analysis.
• Identify financial risks and provide recommendations to management.

Financial Control & Reconciliations

• Review balance sheet reconciliations and supporting schedules.
• Reconcile key accounts and investigate variances or discrepancies.
• Ensure financial information provided by outsourced finance teams is accurate and timely.
• Maintain strong internal controls and governance processes.
• Support audit requirements and compliance activities as required.

Procurement & Supplier Management

• Manage supplier onboarding, review, and ongoing monitoring processes.
• Oversee procurement activities to ensure compliance with company policies and commercial objectives.
• Review supplier contracts and support negotiations where appropriate.
• Monitor supplier performance and spending trends.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and drive value-for-money initiatives.

Expense Management & Cost Control

• Monitor business expenditure and identify opportunities for improved financial efficiency.
• Review expense claims and ensure compliance with company policies.
• Track spending against approved budgets.
• Develop and maintain cost control reporting and recommendations.

Payroll & Outsourced Service Provider Liaison

• Act as the primary liaison with BDO South Africa regarding payroll processing.
• Review payroll reports and ensure payroll-related costs are accurately recorded.
• Coordinate information required for payroll processing and employee changes.
• Work closely with BDO UK finance teams to resolve accounting queries and improve reporting quality.

Business Partnering

• Provide financial support and guidance to business leaders.
• Assist project managers with budget monitoring and profitability analysis.
• Support commercial decision-making through financial insight and analysis.
• Promote financial awareness across the business.